Toshio Nakanishi of Major Force and Skylab has died aged 61

Nakanishi, also known as Tycoon To$h, was involved in a number of influential outfits.

Japanese musician Toshio Nakanishi, known for his work with Plastics, Major Force and Skylab, has died aged 61.

Nakanishi passed away earlier today after a months long battle with oesophageal cancer, a statement on his official Facebook page confirmed.

Nakanishi first appeared on the scene as the frontman of new wave group Plastics in the late 70s. The band were a major influence on Japanese pop and won the admiration of Devo, Talking Heads and The B-52s.

After Plastics disbanded in the 80s, Nakanishi formed Japan’s first-ever dance music-only imprint Major Force and experimented with hip-hop as Tycoon To$h during a stint in London in the 90s.